Former Indian cricketer Shreevats Goswami has expressed his concerns about Washington Sundar’s recent performance in the ODI series against South Africa. Sundar, who has been playing in various roles across formats, has struggled to make an impact, scoring only 14 runs in two innings and failing to take any wickets.

Goswami questioned Sundar’s inclusion in the team, suggesting that Tilak Varma could be a better option in a similar capacity. He noted that Varma can contribute with both bat and ball, providing power hitting and depth to the team. Goswami clarified that he has nothing against Sundar, but believes that Varma could be a more effective choice for the role.

When a fan suggested that Riyan Parag could be a decent option as a spin-bowling all-rounder in the ODI setup, Goswami disagreed. He stated that Parag is not yet ready for an ODI call-up, despite his recent success in the India A team. Parag had made his ODI debut in 2024 and has been performing well in domestic cricket, including a player of the series award in the India A vs Australia A series.

Parag’s recent performances have been impressive, with 187 runs at an average of 62.33 in the India A vs Australia A series. He also starred for Assam in the Ranji Trophy, picking up his second five-wicket haul in red-ball cricket. However, Goswami believes that Parag needs more time to develop before being considered for the national team.

The debate surrounding Sundar’s and Parag’s inclusion in the team highlights the challenges of selecting the right players for the ODI setup. With the team struggling to find the right balance, the selectors will need to carefully consider their options and make informed decisions to ensure the team’s success. As the series against South Africa continues, the team’s performance will be closely watched, and the selectors will be under pressure to make the right choices.